In a story of resilience amid legal turmoil, Sunali Khatun, a 26-year-old woman from Birbhum who was recently repatriated from Bangladesh on the Supreme Court's orders, gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Monday at Rampurhat Medical College and Hospital. Her return to India on December 6, facilitated by the Centre on humanitarian grounds due to her advanced pregnancy, culminated in this moment of joy, even as her husband remains stuck across the border.
A Long Ordeal and a Miraculous Birth
The journey to this day has been arduous for Sunali Khatun. In June, she, along with her husband Danish Sk and four others, were rounded up in Delhi where they worked as ragpickers. They were declared illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and deported to Bangladesh. Subsequently, they were arrested in Bangladesh for being illegal foreigners and spent over 100 days in jail. Sunali endured a significant portion of her pregnancy behind bars.
"For us, this is nothing short of a miracle," her brother Suraj told the Times of India. "The child was born healthy despite Sunali being in jail for over 100 days in her advanced pregnancy." Sunali went into labour at her Paikar home on Sunday night and was rushed to the hospital. Due to her high blood pressure, gynaecologists performed a Caesarean section delivery on Monday morning.
Rampurhat's chief health officer, Subhan De, confirmed that Sunali had a full-term healthy baby and would be kept under 24-hour monitoring for the next five to six days. The family is lovingly calling the newborn 'Babu' for now.
A Family Reunion Incomplete, A Legal Battle Continues
While the birth brings immense relief, the family's ordeal is far from over. Sunali is extremely upset that her husband, Danish Sk, is still stranded in Bangladesh and has not been able to see his son. "My daughter suffered throughout her pregnancy. We could not take care of her. Our only relief was that we could at least ensure her safe return," said her mother, Jyotsna Bibi. "But it continues to hurt that her husband Danish is not here. The father could not take his boy in his arms."
From Bangladesh, Danish made an emotional appeal. "I appeal to everyone, please help me go back, help me see my baby," he said over the phone. "I appeal to the CM to help us. We didn't commit any crime. I am yet to speak to my wife. I miss my family."
The Supreme Court is likely to hear Danish's appeal, along with that of Sweety Bibi and her two children, on Tuesday. Samirul Islam, chairman of the Bengal Migrant Workers Welfare Board, stated they would extend all possible help.
Political Support and a Plea for Naming
The case has drawn attention from political leaders. Sunali's mother revealed that the new mother is keen for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to name her son. CM Banerjee, who was in Gangasagar on Monday, congratulated Sunali and asked officials to convey her wishes along with sweets.
Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee is scheduled to meet Sunali and her newborn in the hospital on Tuesday. The family eagerly awaits his visit. "We will seek his help for the return of Danish and the others. We will also ask for help to repair our damaged hut," said Suraj.
In a social media post, Abhishek Banerjee saluted Sunali's "extraordinary courage and resolve." He wrote on X, "This moment of joy feels even more profound against the backdrop of the injustice she was subjected to... This is a triumph of humanity."
Sunali's father, Bhodu Sk, who is almost bedridden, has yet to see his daughter and grandson. For him, as Jyotsna noted, this birth represents a small victory after months of a gruelling legal battle, even as the fight to reunite the complete family continues.
